Religious article



Filed April is, 1928 gwventoz atfozueqd,

Patented Get. 22 1929 UN E STATES LAWRENCE a". SPILLANE, or TOLEDG, OHIO, ASSIGNOR or ONE-HALF TO IDOIRBIS c. FOLLAS, or TOLEDO, OHIO RELIGIOUS ARTICLE Application filed April 13,

This invention relates to religious articles, but more particularly to sick-call outfits used by Catholics in the administration of the last sacrament, and an object of this invention is to provide a simple and improved article of the above character, which may normally be used as an ornament, but contains the articles necessary for a sick-call, and may readily and conveniently be prepared for use, and has provision for a vigil lamp when the article is not in use as a sick-call outfit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved sick-call outfit, in which a box forms the base or standard :tor a crucifix, and is provided with a reversible cover, which in one position is adapted to hold candles, and in another position to hold a vigil lamp.

Other objects of the inventioi'i will appear 2 as the description proceeds.

The invention is shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings, in which:

1F 1 is a front elevation with parts broken away of the sick-call outfit, showing the vigil lamp in place;

Fig. 2 is a transverse section on the line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary front elevation showing the cover positioned to support the 3 candles.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a box 1 of wood or other suitable material, of rectangular shape, to the back of which is connected an upright crucifix 2. The crucifix may be attached to the rear wall of the box 1 in any suitable man ner, but is preferably rabbeted, with a por tion extending inside of the box, and the rear surface of the crucifix flush with the outer side of the box. Suitably mounted on the crucifix 2 is an image 3 of the crucified Christ.

It will be observed that the box 1 forms a base or supporting standard for the upright crucifix 2, and is disposed below and in front of the image 3.

Closing the box 1 is a cover l, which may be of sheet metal, having downturned edge flanges 5. The cover is formed with a U shaped cut-out portion 6 to fit over the crucifix 2, as shown in Fig. 2.

1928. Serial No. 269,767.

Formed in one side of the cover l is a depressed portion 7 which may be circular in form to receive a vigil lamp 8, which consists of a container filled with tallow or wax, and having the usual wick to furnish a light, which will burn over an extended period of time. It is well known that vigil lamps of this character are generally used by Catholics in their religious devotions, and after they are placed before a crucifix. ,4

Mounted on the opposite side of the cover e are a pair of candle holders 9, one disposed at opposite ends of the cover adjacent the front edge thereof. Candles 10 are adapted to be mounted in the holders 9 and supported in upright position, as shown in Fig. 23. It will be observed that the candles, when in position, are on opposite sides and in front of the crucifix 2, in their proper position for use in the administration of the last sacrament. When the cover is positioned in this manner, the flanged edges form a tray, not only to catch the drippings from the candles, but also to hold articles necessary for the purpose. It will be observed that in this position the U-shapcd cut-out portion 6 fits over the stem of the crucifix 2, and the latter holds the cover in position, thereby preventing lateral displacement of the cover with respect to the box. .1 9

The box is of suificient size to hold the articles necessary for the administration of the last sacrament, such as the necessary cloths, candles, spoon, and other articles that may be necessary. It is apparent that articles necessary for the last sacrament are at hand whenever necessary, and at other times, either the vigil lamp may be used or the device may serve as an ornament.

While I have shown and described an embodiment of the invention, which is the best form known to me at the present time, it is to be understood that the above description is given by way of illustration and not of li1nita- .95 tion, and numerous changes in details of construction and arrangement may be effected without departing from the spirit of the invention, especially as defined in the appended claim.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

A religious article of the type set forth, including a box, a vertically disposed crucifix having a stem secured to a wall of the box so that a portion of the stem projects within the box, a reversible cover for the box, said cover having a marginal flange which in one position engages over the box, inwardly projecting candle holders carried by the cover and surrounded by the marginal flange thereof, and said cover further having a cut-out to receive the stem of the crucifix in either position of the cover whereby when the cover occupies a position wherein the candle holders are inoperative position, the stem of the crucifix will hold the cover in position on the box.

7 In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name to this specification.

LAWRENCE J. SPILLANE. 

